That rumbling sound you hear is the hype train gaining steam in Chiefs Kingdom when it comes to wide receiver Justyn Ross. Just when you thought he could not be more popular with Kansas City fans, he showed up in a big way in the team's first preseason game of '23 against the New Orleans Saints.
The Chiefs came out looking sluggish in the first half, but the second half featured more highlight-worthy plays from a number of young players, including Ross. He broke a tackle early on a nice catch on the boundary earlier in the third quarter, but when Chiefs quarterback Shane Buechele found him with a beautiful red zone pass, it sent everyone into overdrive on their responses.
First, if you missed the play, you definitely need to catch up:
Justyn Ross in for 6οΈβ£
β NFL (@NFL) August 13, 2023
πΊ: #KCvsNO on @NFLNetwork
π±: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/bBFpXevVUR pic.twitter.com/yUABdPxjOD
The score was Ross's first touchdown since September 25, 2021. Ross's success in training camp as he's looked solid this preseason has been such a feel-good story after watching the uber-talented wide receiver battle through numerous injuries just to get this chance with the Chiefs.
In response to Ross's touchdown, everyone in Chiefs Kingdom went bananas on social media.
Justyn Ross TD! Put him in the Ring of Honor, letβs go! The hype train keeps on rolling
β Sterling Holmes (@HomestretchKC) August 13, 2023
Justyn Ross Hype Train pic.twitter.com/eKbbaZpXuM
β Arrowhead Pride (@ArrowheadPride) August 13, 2023
JUSTYN ROSS TOUCHDOWN! pic.twitter.com/gmxX7EQNDj
β Kylie Winfrey (@thekyliewinfrey) August 13, 2023
Chiefs fans seeing Justyn Ross catch a TD: pic.twitter.com/GjrRYTPPT7
β Patrick Allen (@RPatrickAllen) August 13, 2023
JUSTYN ROSS TOUCHDOWN pic.twitter.com/zE8vSU5ddl
β Joshua Brisco (@jbbrisco) August 13, 2023
JUSTYN ROSS TOUCHDOWN! pic.twitter.com/a1X82iBqtv
β how bout those CHIEFS (@hbtCHIEFS) August 13, 2023
For some who didn't believe in the first place, it now seems like it's time to do so.
Justyn Ross has scored a TD pic.twitter.com/f81KbjRfv0
β Cody Tapp (@codybtapp) August 13, 2023
And even members of the national media are starting to take notice that maybe Ross is going to give the Chiefs something for their patience and investment after all.
Justyn Ross β the former Clemson star β comes down with a 15-yard TD grab in his first preseason game.
β Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 13, 2023
A lot of hype surrounding him name at #Chiefs camp with him fully healthy now⦠KC might have a steal.
pic.twitter.com/mJOrJD3UU9
Everyone in KC loves Justyn Ross. Heβs a special, special talent. This is only the beginning and I genuinely believe heβs a legitimate NFL star: 6-4, 210, can really run, ball skills for days, the whole package. Averaged 21 YPC as a FRESHMAN at @ClemsonFB. #Chiefs hit it BIG! pic.twitter.com/zB0pOAjaqF
β Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 13, 2023